Browns brace for Ravens

Friday

After losing two 50-50 games, the Cleveland Browns will be cast in the role of underdog when they meet the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Browns (0-2) are averaging 14 points but were shut out in the second half in losses to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs. The Ravens (1-1) are only averaging 10 points, but the defense has yet to allow a touchdown.

"They’re pretty consistent in their (defensive) approach, but what they have is they play with a high motor all the time," Cleveland head coach Eric Mangini said in a press confrerence. "They are constantly chasing. They get a lot of guys to the football. Sometimes those (mobile quarterbacks) leaving the pocket end up giving up bigger plays than not because they got a lot of penetration and they’re getting hats to the ball."

Baltimore’s defense is missing injured safety Ed Reed, but replacement Tom Zbikowski has been a solid replacement and strong safety Dawan Landry has become the impact player.

Middle linebacker Ray Lewis is still a force, leading the team with 14 tackles, including 13 solo stops.

Cleveland starting quarterback Jake Delhomme’s ankle is still is an issue, so Seneca Wallace could get another start. If that occurs, Josh Cribbs could see more time in the Wildcat.

Cleveland’s running game has been sub-par. Jerome Harrison has only 85 rushing yards and Peyton Hillis 76 and both players lost fumbles. That is why James Davis may see action. The Browns are only 9 of 26 on third down conversions. The Ravens held their first two foes to 1 of 11 on third down conversions.

Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco struggled in the 10-9 win over the New York Jets and the 15-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, throwing four interceptions vs. Cincy.

Flacco, who has played well against the Browns in the past, can either throw the football to wideouts Derrick Mason, Anquan Boldin, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Donte Stallworth, or hand it off to running back Ray Rice.

"Offensively, they’ve been a good third down team and they have a lot of different weapons that they can go to," Browns head coach Eric Mangini said.

The Browns did not give up an offensive touchdown in their 16-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Rookie safety T.J. Ward has been a difference-maker against the run, making 22 tackles. Outside linebacker Marcus Benard gives the team a pass rush, recording 2.5 sacks. Nose tackle Ahtyba Rubin was used in pass-rushing downs against the Chiefs.

Cleveland has an edge in special teams.

"Their special teams are like an all-star group," Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh said. "They’ve just got a bunch of core players; the specialists are all good, and Cribbs is the main guy."

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